Sequential compression therapy compliance monitoring systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A system includes a sequential compression device (SCD) used by a patient as part of a sequential compression therapy (SCT) protocol. The system also includes a computer device that determines whether the SCD is in use in substantially real time in compliance with the protocol. The computer device initiates a notification to a caregiver if noncompliance with the SCT protocol is detected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/410,502, which was filed Mar. 2, 2012 and which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Sequential compression therapy (SCT) is often used for prevention ofdeep venous thrombosis (DVT). Traditionally monitoring compliance andthe utilization of sequential compression therapy by a patient areaccomplished by a caregiver. While various systems have been developedfor monitoring sequential compression therapy, there is still room forimprovement. Thus, a need persists for further contribution in this areaof technology.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited inthe appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in anycombination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

One embodiment of the system to track usage of a compression sleevecomprises a compression sleeve, a fluid supply operable to inflate thecompression sleeve, a processor configured to control the operation ofthe fluid supply and a memory device configured to record duration ofthe inflation of the compression sleeve.

Another embodiment of the system to monitor compliance of a compressionsleeve usage comprises a memory device configured to record usage of acompression sleeve, a processor configured to compare the usage with apredetermined threshold.

One embodiment of the method to monitor compliance of a compressionsleeve usage comprises determining usage of a compression sleeve,comparing usage of a compression sleeve with a predetermined thresholdand determining compliance by comparing usage of a compression sleevewith the predetermined threshold.

Another embodiment of a system to monitor compliance of a compressionsleeve usage comprises a compression sleeve and a first processormounted on the compression sleeve configured to determine duration ofinflation of the compression sleeve and communicate with a secondprocessor mounted on a person support apparatus.

According to some embodiments, a system may include a sequentialcompression device (SCD) that may be used by a patient as part of asequential compression therapy (SCT) protocol and a computer device thatmay determine whether the SCD is in use in substantially real time incompliance with the protocol and that may initiate a notification to acaregiver if noncompliance with the SCT protocol is detected.

In some embodiments, the computer device may determine whether anexcused non-use condition exists. The excused non-use condition maycorrespond to a caregiver being present in the room of the patient ormay correspond to the patient being off a person support apparatus.

In some embodiments, the computer device may determine that the SCDshould be in use currently. The determination that the SCD should be inuse may be based on one or more of the following: a locating tag of theSCD being sensed in the patient's room, a locating tag attached to acompression sleeve of the SCD being sensed in the patient's room, alocating tag attached to an SCD pump of the SCD being sensed in thepatient's room, and the patient being sensed to be in the patient'sroom. In this regard, the system may include a locating tag for trackingthe location of the patient or a wristband for tracking the location ofthe patient.

The determination that the SCD should be in use may be based on anelectronic order. The electronic order may be entered at the patient'sbedside or may be stored in a patient's electronic medical record (EMR),for example. Alternatively or additionally, the determination that theSCD should be in use may be based on at least one risk factor of thepatient. The risk factor may include the patient having poor circulationor that the patient is recovering from surgery.

In some embodiments, the SCD being in use may be determined based ondetecting one or more of the following: an SCD pump is on, the SCD pumpis blowing air, the SCD pump is moving fluid, a motor of the SCD pump isdrawing current, a compression sleeve is connected to the SCD pump, thecompression sleeve is inflated to a threshold pressure, the SCD pumpexperiences a threshold back pressure due to pressurization of thecompression sleeve, or a threshold amount of force is sensed by a sensorindicative of force between the compression sleeve and the patient.

Additional features, which alone or in combination with any otherfeature(s), such as those listed above, may comprise patentable subjectmatter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art uponconsideration of the following detailed description of variousembodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodimentsas presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification illustrate several aspects of the claimed subject matterand, together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofthe claimed subject matter. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system to track usage of a compressionsleeve integrated with a hospital bed, constructed according toprinciples of one or more of the teachings herein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a system to track usage of a compressionsleeve integrated with a fracture table, constructed according toprinciples of one or more of the teachings herein;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a compression sleeve mounted on a patient'sleg, constructed according to principles of one or more of the teachingsherein;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system to monitor compliance of acompression sleeve, integrated with a hospital bed, constructedaccording to principles of one or more of the teachings herein;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of another system to monitor compliance of acompression sleeve, integrated with a hospital bed, constructedaccording to principles of one or more of the teachings herein; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing steps of an algorithm to determinewhether a patient is complying with a protocol requiring current use ofa sequential compression device (SCD).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the claimed subject matter and the various featuresand advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with referenceto the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/orillustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the followingdescription. It should be noted that the features illustrated in thedrawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of oneembodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisanwould recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions ofwell-known components and processing techniques may be briefly mentionedor omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of theclaimed subject matter described. The examples used herein are intendedmerely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the claimedsubject matter may be practiced and to further enable those of skill inthe art to practice the embodiments of the claimed subject matterdescribed herein. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein aremerely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope ofthe claimed subject matter, which is defined solely by the appendedclaims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like referencenumerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of thedrawings.

It is understood that the subject matter claimed is not limited to theparticular methodology, protocols, devices, apparatus, materials,applications, etc., described herein, as these may vary. It is also tobe understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purposeof describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limitthe scope of the claimed subject matter.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art.

A person support apparatus 10 according to one illustrative embodimentof the current disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. In the illustrativeembodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the person support apparatus 10 is ahospital bed. The person support apparatus 10 includes a lower frame orbase 12, a plurality of supports 16 coupled with the lower frame 12, andan upper frame 14 supported by the plurality of supports above the lowerframe 12. The upper frame 14 is configured to variably elevate withrespect to the lower frame 12. A person support surface 18 is mounted onat least a portion of the person support apparatus 10. The personsupport surface 18 has a head support section HP, a seat support sectionSP and a foot support section FP as shown in FIG. 1. The person supportapparatus 10 may be a stretcher or an operating table in anotherembodiment as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system to track usage of a compression sleevecomprising a fluid supply 22 mounted on the person support apparatus 10and fluidly connected to the compression sleeve 20 using any one of amultitude of connection mechanisms, including quick disconnect typeconnectors. Compression sleeve 20 may be of any form, including but notlimited to cuffs, boots and/or a wrap and may be customized to fit anybody part. In one embodiment, the fluid supply 22 is removably mountedon the foot board FB, head board HB or the side rails SR. In anotherembodiment, the fluid supply 22 may be mounted on the compression sleeve22. The fluid supply 22 may be used for other functions of the personsupport apparatus 10, including but not limited to inflation and/ordeflation of a mattress.

In another embodiment, the system to track usage of a compression sleeve20 comprises a dedicated fluid supply 22. The fluid supply 22 providesfluid to the compression sleeve 20 during inflation and vents the fluidfrom the compression sleeve 20 during deflation of the compressionsleeve 20 in one embodiment. The fluid supply unit may be pneumatic orhydraulic in nature and may comprise a pump, blower, fan and/or acompressor. Therefore, the compression sleeve may be inflated with air,water, oil or any other fluid.

A controller 24 comprises a processor 26 in communication with the fluidsupply 22 and provides a control signal to the fluid supply 22 toinflate or deflate the compression sleeve 20. The processor 26 alsocommunicates with a pressure sensor 34 mounted on the compression sleeve20 to allow measurement of the pressure inside the inflated compressionsleeve 20 and/or the pressure applied on a patient's extremity to whichthe compression sleeve 20 is mounted. Alternatively, back pressureand/or electrical characteristics such as current and voltage changes ofthe prime mover of the fluid supply 22 may be used to determine thepressure in the compression sleeve in another embodiment.

An electrical stimulation device 36 is mounted in the compression sleeve20 to provide appropriate therapy to the patient in some embodiments.The electrical stimulation device 36 may be of any type, including aTranscutaneous Nerve Stimulation (TENS) type for blocking pain and/or anElectro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) device for stimulating muscles. Theelectrical stimulation device 36 is in communication with and receivescontrol signals from the processor 26 to initiate or terminate therapy.In one embodiment, the electrical stimulation device 36 receives powerfrom the controller 24 while in another embodiment the electricalstimulation device 36 has a dedicated power source such as a batterypack.

The controller 24 is in communication with a Graphical User Interface(GUI) 48 to display alarms and other messages. The GUI 48 is integral tothe person support apparatus 10 in one embodiment and is used to controlother functions of the person support apparatus 10. The GUI 48 alsoallows for user inputs and commands to set thresholds for the amplitude,frequency and/or time duration of SCT and/or electrical stimulationtherapy. These thresholds may be in the form of an upper bound (shouldnot exceed), lower bound (should be greater than) and/or a range. Theprocessor 26 uses these thresholds to determine compliance withprescribed therapy.

In one embodiment, the duration of cumulative therapy is tracked by theprocessor 26, by storing, in a memory device 28, data related toinflation and deflation of the compression sleeve 20 and/or operation ofthe electrical stimulation device. The memory device 28 may be of anytype, including volatile and non-volatile types. If the cumulativeduration of therapy does not meet the criteria established earlier, analarm will be displayed on the GUI 48. Display of other performancecharacteristics of the therapy on the GUI 48 is well within the scope ofthis disclosure, including, but not limited to cumulative duration oftherapy, duration of therapy of current session, average amplitude oftherapy which in one embodiment may be the pressure and/or theelectrical stimulation applied and frequency of therapy. The GUI 48 alsoallows a user to clear previously stored data in the memory device 28and/or initiate therapy. In another embodiment, the system to trackusage of a compression sleeve includes a dedicated GUI 48, which may bein the form of a pendant.

The illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2 shows a compression sleeve 20mounted in a stirrup 30 used in conjunction with an operating table. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the processor 26 and the memory device28 are mounted on the compression sleeve 20. The compression sleeve 20is configured to couple to a fluid supply 22 mounted on the operatingtable using any type of connection mechanism, including a quickdisconnect mechanism. In another embodiment, the fluid supply 22 may bemounted on the stirrup 30 or the compression sleeve 20. The processor 26and/or the memory device 28 wirelessly communicate with a communicationnetwork 40 (FIG.4). The communication network 40 is in turn connected toa GUI 48, not shown in FIG. 2 and the GUI 48 allows for inputtingcommands, display of messages and/or for communicating alarms receivedfrom the processor 26 and/or the memory device 28.

The illustrative embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 also has a physiologicalsensor 32 mounted on the compression sleeve 22 in communication with theprocessor 26. It is well within the scope of the disclosure to includemore than one physiological sensor 32 in the system. Physiologicalsensor 32 may be of any type and communicates with the processor 26 byway of an electrical signal indicative of at least one physiologicalparameter, including but not limited to temperature, blood pressure,heart rate and electrical activity. Processor 26 monitors the signalsfrom the physiological sensor 32 and is configured to communicate analarm to the GUI 48 in response to any of the physiological parametersnot complying with a predetermined rule or threshold.

The GUI 48 is also configured to display data obtained fromphysiological sensors 32 via processor 26. The illustrative embodimentas shown in FIG. 2 allows for the same compression sleeve to be used inpost-operative care as was used during an operation. This transfer froman operating room to post-operative care often involves changing roomsand/or person support apparatus 10. Since the system as shown in FIG. 2allows for mounting the processor 26 and memory device 28 on thecompression sleeve 22, a continuous stream of data is available and acumulative usage of the compression sleeve may be determined. Theprocessor 26 and/or memory device 28 are configured to communicate withother controllers comprising processors and/or GUIs which in oneembodiment may be remote. The processor 26 and/or the memory device 28may communicate with a controller comprising a processor and/or GUI 48integral to a patient support apparatus 10 via a wireless or wiredconnection based on the physical distance between the two devices. Thus,as the patient is moved from the operating room to a post-operativeroom, the processor 26 and/or the memory device 28 automaticallyconnects with the controller of the person support apparatus 10 in thepost-operative room. As described earlier, a fluid supply 22 mounted onthe compression sleeve 20 allows for continued therapy during patienttransfer.

The illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of acompression sleeve 20 for use in the system to track usage of acompression sleeve. FIG. 3 shows the compression sleeve 20 used forsequential compression therapy of the patient's calf region. As shown inFIG. 3, the compression sleeve 20 has more than one zone in thisembodiment, although a single pressurized zone is well within the scopeof the current disclosure. The sleeve as shown in FIG. 3 has fluidsupply lines connected to each zone, although a single supply line toall the zones may be used in another embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of the system to trackusage of a compression sleeve. The compression sleeve 20 is suppliedfluid by a fluid supply 22, which in turn receives a control signal fromthe processor 26. At least one pressure sensor 34 mounted in thecompression sleeve is in electrical communication with the processor 26.At least one electrical stimulation device 36 is also in communicationwith the processor 26. The processor 26 communicates with a memorydevice 28 and records parameters related to the sequential compressiontherapy, including, but not limited to any one or combination of thecumulative duration of therapy, duration of therapy for an individualsession, amplitude and frequency of pressure applied. The processor 26also conveys data corresponding to the signals received from at leastone physiological sensor 32 and the electrical stimulation device 36 tothe memory device 28. The processor 26 is also in communication with analarm 38, which may be any combination of an audio, visual or tactileoutput. The processor 26 is configured to enable the alarm 38 based onthe thresholds for sequential compression therapy, signals from theelectrical stimulation device 36 and/or the physiological sensor 32. Theprocessor 26 is in communication with a graphical user interface (GUI)48 which allows for input of control parameters by a user and fordisplay of system messages. Alarm 38 may be triggered and in anotherembodiment a timer may be activated for the alarm to trigger after apredetermined time period.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the memory device 28 isconnected to a communication network 40. The communication network 40may be of any type, including but not limited to Wide Area Network(WAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Virtual Private Network (VPN),telephone lines, optical communications, internet communications ortelex. The communication network 40 is in communication with at leastone Electronic Medical Record (EMR) 44 or another healthcare informationdatabase, a hospital communication station 42 and a nurse call system46. The communication station 42 is a centralized location wherein oneor more patients may be monitored by a caregiver. In one embodiment thecommunication station 42 may be stationary, while in another embodiment,it may be a mobile unit to accommodate prompt deployment.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the processor 26 isconnected to a communication network 40. The communication network 40may be of any type, including but not limited to Wide Area Network(WAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Virtual Private Network (VPN),telephone lines, optical communications, internet communications ortelex. The communication network 40 is in communication with at leastone Electronic Medical Record (EMR) 44 or another healthcare informationdatabase, a hospital communication station 42 and/or a nurse call system46. The communication station 42 is a centralized location wherein oneor more patients may be monitored by a caregiver. In one embodiment thecommunication station 42 may be stationary, while in another embodiment,it may be a mobile unit to accommodate prompt deployment.

According to this disclosure, a system and method is provided fordetermining noncompliance with a protocol relating to the use of asequential compression device (SCD) as part of sequential compressiontherapy (SCT). The system determines that an SCD should be in use insubstantially real time (aka that the device should be in use “at thismoment”) and alerts one or more caregivers of the nonuse of the SCD sothat the nonuse can be rectified. In order to determine compliance ornon-compliance with the SCT protocol, the system first determineswhether SCD use is required. This determination is made, in someembodiments, based on the detection of a physical trigger, such as alocating or tracking tag of an SCD being sensed in a particularlocation, such as a patient's room. In some embodiments, a tag attachedto a compression sleeve and a tag attached to an SCD pump both need tobe sensed in the same location in order for the system to determine thatSCD use is required. Alternatively or additionally, a patient also needsto be sensed in the same location as the sleeve and/or pump. A patientwristband or location tag may be used to sense the location of thepatient. Thus, in this latter embodiment, if a patient along with one orboth of a compression sleeve and an SCD pump are determined to be in thesame location (e.g., patient room), then the system makes thedetermination that the SCD device should be in use.

In other embodiments, an electronic order, such as one entered at thebedside or stored in a patient's electronic medical record (EMR) isconsidered by the system in making the determination that an SCD shouldbe in use. In such embodiments, even if an SCD (e.g., pump and/orsleeve) is absent from a patient's location, if there is a physician'sorder for the patient to be undergoing SCT, then the system makes thedetermination that an SCD should be in use. Alternatively oradditionally, based on other information in a patient's EMR or based oncare setting, the system makes the determination that an SCD should bein use. For example, patients with poor circulation or other riskfactors may be prescribed SCT after surgery for a certain number ofhours in some healthcare facilities. Thus, based on information that apatient with such risk factors has just finished surgery, the system isable to make the determination that an SCD should be in use for thatpatient.

To summarize, there are a variety of ways contemplated by thisdisclosure to determine whether an SCD should be in use for a particularpatient including the following: a tagged SCD pump has been placed inthe patient's room; a tagged compression sleeve has been placed in thepatient's room; a patient is designated as an at risk patient in thepatient's EMR; the patient is designated as an at risk patient based oninformation transmitted from the patient's wristband; the patient isdesignated as an at risk patient based on a standard protocol; there isa physician's order for the patient to receive SCT; and/or the patientis in a particular location (e.g., all patients in post-op should bereceiving SCT from an SCD).

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an algorithm that is illustrative of softwarethat is run by a computer device, such as those included as part ofhospital station 42, EMR 44, nurse call system 46 and/or processor 26 ofperson support apparatus 10. As indicated at block 50, the algorithmfirst determines whether use of an SCD is required for a particularpatient. The various options for making this determination are discussedin the preceding paragraphs. If use of an SCD is not required for thepatient, then the algorithm ends as indicated at block 52. If use of anSCD is required for the patient, the algorithm determines whether thepatient is in bed as indicated at block 54. In connection with makingsuch a determination, data from a bed exit system of the patient supportapparatus 50 is used. In some embodiments, if a threshold amount ofweight is detected on the bed, such as by use of one or more load cellsof a weigh scale system as is well-known in the art, then it is assumedthat the patient is in bed.

In some embodiments, the algorithm of FIG. 6 checks to confirm patientidentity as indicated at block 56. Thus, in a first iteration of thealgorithm in those instances when use of an SCD is required, thealgorithm loops through blocks 50, 54, 56 to confirm patient identity.This, confirmation is made that the particular patient requiring SCT isactually the patient in bed, as opposed to a visitor or caregiver orsome other patient sitting or lying on the bed rather than the patientin need of SCT. According to this disclosure, the patient's identity canbe confirmed in a number of ways. For example, if the patient has a tagor wristband that transmits a patient ID, then a locating and trackingsystem confirms the patient's identity. Alternatively or additionally, acaregiver confirms the patient's identity and enters the informationmanually on the GUI 48 of person support apparatus 10. In someembodiments, bed 10 includes a biometric sensor that reads a patient'sbiometrics (e.g., fingerprint scanner, retinal scanner, camera andsoftware for facial recognition, etc.) and confirms the patient'sidentity by comparison of the sensed information with that stored in aremote database, for example.

If at block 54, the patient is not in bed, then algorithm loops back toblock 50 without checking the patient's identity. The patient being outof bed is considered to be one of the situations in which non-use of theSCD is excused according to some embodiments. For example, the patientmay be going to the bathroom or may be scheduled for therapy or lab workin a different area of the healthcare facility. After the patient'sidentity is confirmed at block 56 and the patient is in bed asdetermined at block 54, then the second iteration through block 54results in the algorithm advancing to block 58 and making adetermination that no caregiver is present in the patient's room. If acaregiver is present in the patient's room, then this is also consideredan excused non-use of the SCD by the patient, the assumption being thata caregiver may be attending to other medical needs of the patient ormay be replacing a soiled compression sleeve or performing some othertask. If at block 58 it is determined that caregivers are absent fromthe patient's room, then the SCD should be in use as indicated at block60.

After it is determined that the SCD should be in use, the algorithmproceeds to make the determination regarding whether or not the SCD isactually in use currently by the patient as indicated at block 62. Thisdetermination is made based on data transmitted by compression sleeve 20and/or fluid supply 22. For example, data indicating that the pump isactive and/or that various zones of sleeve 20 are being pressurized isindicative that the SCD is in use currently. In some embodiments, adetected use involves detecting one or more of the following: the SCDpump is on, the SCD pump is blowing air (or moving other fluid), themotor of the SCD pump is running or drawing current, the compressionsleeve is connected to the pump, the compression sleeve is inflated to athreshold pressure, the pump experiences a threshold back pressure dueto pressurization of the compression sleeve, and/or a threshold amountof force is sensed by a sensor (e.g., piezoelectric sensor or forcesensitive resistor (FSR)) positioned between the sleeve and the patientor otherwise positioned to sense pressure between the sleeve and thepatient. On the other hand, if the one or more conditions just describedare not detected, then this corresponds to a detected non-use. So, if nopump or sleeve is determined to be located in the room, if the pump isnot operating, or if the sleeve is not being pressurized, then thealgorithm determines at block 60 that there is a detected non-usecondition.

After the use or non-use of the SCD is detected at block 62, thealgorithm proceeds to block 64 and determines whether the use or non-usedetected at block 62 is in compliance with the protocol for theassociated patient. For example, even if the SCD is not in use, it couldbe that the duration of the SCT has expired or rest periods arepermitted within the scope of the protocol. Thus, a detected non-usedoes not necessarily indicate a violation of the protocol. If at block64 it is determined that the use or non-use of the SCD is in compliancewith the protocol, then algorithm 66 proceeds to block 66 and tracks theuse or non-use of the SCD. For example, the starting and ending times ofthe SCT are tracked in some embodiments. Alternatively or additionally,the frequency and/or pressure set points are tracked. Tracking refers tostoring information in a database regarding the use and/or non-use ofthe SCD.

If at block 64 it is determined that the use or, more likely, thenon-use of the SCD is not in compliance with the protocol, the algorithmproceeds to block 68 and notifies a caregiver of the noncompliance.After the notification, the algorithm proceeds to block 66 and datacontinues to be tracked even in the event of non-compliance. In theevent of noncompliance with the SCT protocol, a number of solutions forachieving compliance may be undertaken according to this disclosure. Forexample, a caregiver is reminded of the protocol, such as via a messageto a communication device carried by the caregiver, and guided toimplement the SCT. A caregiver is notified that a patient has disabledthe SCT and the caregiver can then work with the patient to address theissue and convince the patient of the benefits of compliance with theSCT protocol.

In some embodiments, a nurse manager is notified of the noncomplianceand provides further training to an assigned caregiver regarding thevalue of the SCT and protocol compliance. Optionally, hospitaladministrators are able to track and reward continually increasingcompliance with the SCT protocol. Hospital administrators may also usethe gathered information of compliance and noncompliance with the SCTprotocol to demonstrate a correlation between protocol compliance andimproved patient outcomes. Furthermore, it is contemplated by thisdisclosure that the data regarding SCT protocol compliance is stored inother healthcare information systems such as the EMR 44.

In connection with the locating and tracking tags mentioned above, itwill be appreciated that locating and tracking system are known in theart. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,421,606; 7,907,053; 7,734,476;7,450,024; 7,248,933; 7,242,306; 6,972,683; and 6,825,763, each of whichis hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the subject matter (particularly in the context ofthe following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular andthe plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended toserve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separatevalue falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, andeach separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. Furthermore, the foregoing description isfor the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose oflimitation, as the scope of protection sought is defined by the claimsas set forth hereinafter together with any equivalents thereof entitledto. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “suchas”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illustrate thesubject matter and does not pose a limitation on the scope of thesubject matter unless otherwise claimed. The use of the term “based on”and other like phrases indicating a condition for bringing about aresult, both in the claims and in the written description, is notintended to foreclose any other conditions that bring about that result.No language in the specification should be construed as indicating anynon-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention asclaimed.

Preferred embodiments are described herein, including the best modeknown to the inventor for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Ofcourse, variations of those preferred embodiments will become apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoingdescription. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ suchvariations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the claimedsubject matter to be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein. Accordingly, this claimed subject matter includes allmodifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in theclaims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, anycombination of the above-described elements in all possible variationsthereof is encompassed unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwiseclearly contradicted by context.

The disclosures of any references and publications cited above areexpressly incorporated by reference in their entireties to the sameextent as if each were incorporated by reference individually.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for use with a compression sleeve,the system comprising: a patient support apparatus comprising a base, anupper frame that variably elevates relative to the base, and a personsupport surface supported by the upper frame; a fluid supplymechanically connected to the patient support apparatus and configuredto fluidly connect to the compression sleeve; a controller mechanicallyconnected to the patient support apparatus and configured to provide acontrol signal to the fluid supply to inflate or deflate the compressionsleeve, the patient support apparatus having a weigh scale coupled tothe controller, the controller being configured to determine whether apatient is on the patient support apparatus based on one or more signalsfrom the weigh scale; and a graphical user interface mechanicallyconnected to the patient support apparatus and configured to controlfunctions of the patient support apparatus, wherein the graphical userinterface is further configured to allow for entering of inputs for theamplitude, frequency, or time duration of a compression therapy to becarried out by the controller and the fluid supply, wherein thecontroller is configured to determine whether the compression sleeveshould be in use based on a protocol, wherein the controller initiates anotification to a caregiver if noncompliance with the protocol isdetected, and wherein the controller determines compliance with theprotocol only after the controller determines that the patient is on thepatient support apparatus based on the one or more signals from theweigh scale.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller isconfigured to determine whether the compression sleeve is in use insubstantially real time if the patient is on the patient supportapparatus.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller determineswhether an excused non-use condition exists.
 4. The system of claim 3,wherein the excused non-use condition corresponds to a caregiver beingpresent in the room of the patient.
 5. The system of claim 3, whereinthe excused non-use condition corresponds to the patient being off theperson support apparatus.
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein thecontroller determines that the compression sleeve should be in usecurrently if use is prescribed, the patient is on the patient supportapparatus, and no caregiver is present.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein the determination that the compression sleeve should be in useis further based on one or more of the following: a locating tag of thefluid supply being sensed in the patient's room, a locating tag attachedto the compression sleeve being sensed in the patient's room, or anidentity of the patient being confirmed.
 8. The system of claim 6,wherein the determination that the compression sleeve should be in useis further based on a locating tag attached to the compression sleevebeing sensed in the patient's room and a locating tag attached to thefluid supply being sensed in the patient's room.
 9. The system of claim6, wherein the determination that the compression sleeve should be inuse is based on a locating tag attached to the fluid supply being sensedin the patient's room and an identity of the patient being confirmed.10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a locating tag fortracking the location of the patient or a wristband for tracking thelocation of the patient.
 11. The system of claim 6, wherein thedetermination that the compression sleeve should be in use is based on alocating tag attached to the compression sleeve being sensed in thepatient's room and an identity of the patient being confirmed.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, further comprising a locating tag for tracking thelocation of the patient or a wristband for tracking the location of thepatient.
 13. The system of claim 6, wherein the determination that thecompression sleeve should be in use is further based on an electronicorder.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the electronic order isentered at the patient's bedside or is stored in a patient's electronicmedical record (EMR).
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein thedetermination that the compression sleeve should be in use is furtherbased on at least one risk factor of the patient.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the risk factor comprises the patient having poorcirculation.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the risk factorcomprises the patient recovering from surgery.
 18. The system of claim2, wherein the compression sleeve being in use is determined based ondetecting one or more of the following: the fluid supply is on, thefluid supply is blowing air, the fluid supply is moving fluid, a motorof the fluid supply is drawing current, the compression sleeve isconnected to the fluid supply, the compression sleeve is inflated to athreshold pressure, the fluid supply experiences a threshold backpressure due to pressurization of the compression sleeve, or a thresholdamount of force is sensed by a sensor indicative of force between thecompression sleeve and the patient.
 19. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a physiological monitor configured having a sensor to detecta physiological parameter of a patient on the patient support apparatusand wherein the physiological monitor communicates an alarm for displayon the graphical user interface in response to any physiologicalparameters not complying with a rule or threshold.
 20. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the protocol includes cumulative usage time of thecompression sleeve.
 21. A system for use with a compression sleeve, thesystem comprising: a patient support apparatus comprising a base, anupper frame that variably elevates relative to the base, and a personsupport surface supported by the upper frame; a fluid supplymechanically connected to the patient support apparatus and configuredto fluidly connect to the compression sleeve; a controller mechanicallyconnected to the patient support apparatus and configured to provide acontrol signal to the fluid supply to inflate or deflate the compressionsleeve, the patient support apparatus having a weigh scale coupled tothe controller, the controller being configured to determine whether apatient is on the patient support apparatus based on one or more signalsfrom the weigh scale; and a graphical user interface mechanicallyconnected to the patient support apparatus and configured to controlfunctions of the patient support apparatus, wherein the graphical userinterface is further configured to allow for entering of inputs for acompression therapy to be carried out by the controller and the fluidsupply, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether thecompression sleeve should be in use based on a protocol that includes acumulative usage time of the compression sleeve, wherein the controllerinitiates a notification to a caregiver if noncompliance with theprotocol is detected, and wherein the controller determines compliancewith the protocol only after the controller determines that the patientis on the patient support apparatus based on the one or more signalsfrom the weigh scale.